Interview

Interview – Katherine Sabbath

I probably follow a couple hundred bakers, cake decorators, food stylists, chefs, etc. on my various social media accounts. If you’re reading this, odds are you do too. I scroll through my feeds thinking to myself, “Cute. Cute. Oh, that’s cool. Don’t get it. Cool. Cute. Cute.”, and so on and so on. Every now and then someone stops me in my tracks with something really new, innovative, or interesting. Better yet, something with a new perspective entirely. That happened the day I scrolled upon something similar to this beauty.

All images care of Katherine Sabbath.

Whoa.

This was something new. Something really different, but still very accessible. Something cool.

Katherine’s baking adventure is nothing short of a fairy tale. School teacher turned cake rock star all care of her Instagram account. Instagram and Instagram only.

Interview | Katherine Sabbath

In three words or less, how would you define your cake style?

I enjoy lilac (a blue-toned pastel lavender) because it’s feminine without being too sickening. As for colours that I don’t like, there really aren’t any! I see a creative purpose in all colours.

Where do you find inspiration for your cake designs?

For me, inspiration comes from absolutely everywhere! I love our natural environment and not to mention, I also love bold colours and flavours. To reign in it a little bit for you, a favourite source of inspiration close to my heart is the 1971 film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory originally written by Roald Dahl and directed by Mel Stuart. I remember seeing that movie at a very young age and just being completely blown away by the fun and wacky possibilities of dessert! I also really love the gooey, slimy ‘dripping’ motif on the cover of “Goosebumps” novels!

Your instagram following is nothing short of impressive (including your own hashtag). Did you actively work to promote your work or is it something that happened more organically?

Actually, not at all! I always thought I’d be a high school teacher until the end of my days. It wasn’t until I started sharing my work with others and the wider Instagram audience that I realised there was a huge market of creatives out there who enjoy my sweet hobby as much as I do! I thank my lucky stars every single day.

With a full time teaching position, what lead you to dive into the cake and baking world?

I guess I’ve always been a self-confessed bake-aholic and love experimenting with new flavours and concepts! I find my happy place by creating thoughtful, unique and slightly crazy cakes and desserts for loved ones, my family and friends. I have also always enjoyed writing recipes and am passionate about sharing creative ideas with others. It’s been a very natural progression over the years.

When you’re not baking, what other arts or crafts do you like to partake in, if any at all?

I absolutely love all types of art and craft! One of my best friends, Kitiya Palaskas, is an amazing craft-based designer and teacher, so we’ve spent many afternoons crafting away together on fun projects such as pom-poms, giant piñatas, brooches and other neat tid-bits.

What’s on your play list when you’re working in the kitchen?

I love upbeat and interesting music when I’m baking, such as TV on the Radio, Interpol, Radiohead, How to Destroy Angels, Daft Punk and also a bit of hip-hop here and there. My favourite band of all time, however, is Nine Inch Nails and I’m also a huge fan of Norwegian black metal!

Can you share the best piece of baking advice that anyone has ever given you?

Cherish only the best quality ingredients you can afford at the time (and preferably local), cook with consideration and cook passion, taste test your food every single step along the way and don’t EVER compromise on flavour! Food should always taste as magical as it looks.

Which baking and pastry tools can you absolutely not live without?

Invest in a trusty cake scraper and definitely a cake turntable – they both can be found at very affordable prices in cake decorating supplies stores and make life so much easier when it comes to decorating cakes!

It’s 11pm, the fridge door opens, what are you going for?

All natural and lightly roasted crunchy peanut butter! Straight from the jar by the tablespoon. I’m hopelessly addicted to the stuff!

Katherine, I cannot thank you enough for your time and thoughtful answers. Willy Wonka, all natural crunchy peanut butter, and a little Daft Punk? Girl, you are welcome in my kitchen any day, any time.

Comments

Erin, I adore your work & am LOVEing your blog and all your recipes! I have been a fan of Katherine Sabbath ‘ for a while and she is such an amazing artist and oh so humble, I wish I lived closer to take a class with her, thank you so much for interviewing her. I love her collab with Anna P & Andy Bowdy, just cannot say enough good things about her & your blog! I’m wondering if you can find out more about her chocolate! I once asked what she used to get those bright colors and she said she was working with a company – it’s been a year or so since I asked but I wasn’t sure if it was for personal use or brand development. Do you know if there are any companies in the US that sell colored & naturally flavored chocolate? I’ve been using freeze-dried fruit & candy coloring (chefmasters), would you recommend any other ways? Thanks again! Loving the interviews (perhaps Cakes by Cliff, Unbirthday Bakery, or Andrew Bowden will stop by ? so many wonderful sugar artist’s out there and I want to meet them all)!

Hi! Thanks so much for all of the kind words. I’m so glad that you are enjoying the blog and this interview with Katherine! Those other cake designers you mentioned are awesome too! I’d be happy to interview any of them. 🙂 As for chocolate, Chef Rubber is the best resource that I have. They have an amazing line of colored cocoa butters, including an all natural line. Great people too. Definitely check them out!